Bucolic nuggets, majestic monuments and picturesque neighborhoods: the capital is no exception when it comes to eye-catching little gems. These include architectural curiosities and unusual places. And at the crossroads of these, it’s impossible not to mention the McDonald’s on rue Saint-Lazare, so much so that the architecture of the building rubs shoulders with the fast-food restaurant. We tell you all about this astonishing association, and this spot which alone defines the term “unusual place”.
The most unusual McDonald’s in Paris is in Saint-Lazare
In the family of unusual places in Paris, you could ask for the Musée de la Magie, the church of Saint-Serge de Radonège or the green wall on rue d’Aboukir. In this vein, today we present another of these curiosities, namely the incredible McDonald’s on rue Saint-Lazare and its unusual facade, to say the least.
McDonald’s Saint-Lazare, located in the heart of the City of Light, is a true architectural gem. The Alsatian façade, adorned with wood and stone, proudly displays traditional Alsatian motifs such as sunflowers, poppies and hearts. This attention to detail, which pays homage to the owners’ Alsatian roots, continues inside the restaurant, where the same natural materials, colors and traditional motifs are used to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that pays homage to Alsatian culture.
The origins of this curiosity can be traced back to the late 19th century, at the height of the Belle Époque. At that time, Alsatian breweries were very much in vogue in Paris, and the “Au roi de la bière” establishment opened at 119 rue Saint-Lazare in 1892. More than 100 years later, the bar may not have stood the test of time, but it has found a replacement that is, to say the least, unusual.
This successful fusion of local architecture and Alsatian culture creates a unique place, where Parisians and tourists alike can enjoy burgers while admiring the unusual details of the premises. After all, who would have thought that you could enjoy a Big Mac in the heart of a listed building ?
📍Location: McDonald’s Saint-Lazare – 119, rue Saint-Lazare, 75008